Gobelins

While surfaces were kept flat in the early period of the Renaissance, King Louis XIV encouraged elaborate carving and scroll-work, richly chased fruit and floral motifs, swags, and leafage. His designers created a free, lavish interpretation of the Renaissance's classical lines and proportions.

Intricately carved from top to bottom in the "Buhl" style developed in the late 1600's, the Gobelins table encompasses virtually every popular motif of Renaissance France. Nowhere else can such exquisite detail be found on a table designed as a historic showpiece and intended for practical use.